title: The value of endometrial cell sampling in the management of post-menopausal women.
abstract: The value of performing endometrial cytology on women receiving hormonal replacement therapy is discussed. Evidence is presented which shows that when this is routinely performed prior to beginning therapy, some 2% of women are found to have an abnormality ranging from polyps to carcinoma. When minimal dose combined oestrogen plus progestogen replacement therapy is used together with a monitoring procedure which involves routine annual Mimark endometrial sampling and curettage for abnormal cytology or bleeding, the risk of endometrial abnormality is reduced to a minimum. The benefits to be gained and the problems which detract from the use of endometrial cytology are discussed. It is recommended that every woman should have a routine cytological endometrial screening performed by a doctor experienced in the use of endometrial sampling equipment when she receives hormonal replacement therapy in the post-menopausal phase.
mesh_terms: D003581:Cytodiagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D004107:Dilatation and Curettage; D004714:Endometrial Hyperplasia / Q000175:diagnosis; D004717:Endometrium / Q000473:pathology*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D008593:Menopause; D009644:Norgestrel / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011127:Polyps / Q000175:diagnosis; D013237:Stereoisomerism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens; D009644:Norgestrel; D016912:Levonorgestrel